Airport Transfers
Arriving in Greece
Athens International Airport is connected to the city centre by the Metro (Line 3, approximately 40 minutes to Syntagma), the Express Bus (X95 to Syntagma, X96 to Piraeus), and taxi. The official taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall; fares to the city centre are metered with a fixed supplement for airport journeys.
Pre-booked private transfers are available from all major airports and are strongly recommended for late-night arrivals, groups, or travellers with significant luggage. Several reputable operators offer fixed-price transfers from Athens Airport to the city centre, Piraeus port, and other destinations.
Island airports are typically served by local taxis and, in some cases, bus services to the main town. On smaller islands, the taxi fleet may be limited — pre-booking is advisable, particularly during peak season.
Taxis & Private Cars
Getting Around
Greek taxis are metered and generally reliable in cities. Athens taxis are yellow; in other cities and on the islands, colours vary. The meter runs from the moment of departure; a small supplement applies for journeys from airports, ports, and railway stations, and for luggage in the boot.
Ride-hailing apps including Beat (formerly Taxibeat) and Uber operate in Athens and Thessaloniki, offering a convenient alternative to street-hailing. On the islands, local taxi apps or WhatsApp-based booking with local drivers is the norm.
For longer inter-city journeys — Athens to Thessaloniki, Athens to Patras, or across the Peloponnese — private hire cars with professional drivers offer a comfortable and flexible alternative to the bus or train, particularly for groups or those with specific itinerary requirements.